Address: 100 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 818‑2117
Yelp Rating: Not yet rated (newly opened June 2025)
Website: maidatrattoria.com
Reservations: OpenTable – Maida Trattoria
A New Chapter in Foco, introducing Maida Trattoria
Downtown Fort Collins just gained a charming new Italian spot—and it comes with familiar roots. Maida Trattoria, which opened in June 2025, is the latest venture from the Callahan family, the longtime locals behind the beloved Mugs coffee shops. Located on College Avenue in Old Town, Maida Trattoria channels a cozy trattoria ambiance with exposed brick, inviting décor, and an Italian menu focused on handmade pastas, flatbreads, and seasonal plates.
With a growing following already forming, Maida is quickly making its case as one of the best new Italian restaurants in Fort Collins.
Table of Contents
Atmosphere & Design
The space is intentionally intimate—warm brick walls, soft lighting, and framed artwork create an inviting, lived-in vibe that feels just right for date nights, family dinners, or casual gatherings with friends. The trattoria-style layout blends Old World comfort with modern functionality, offering both standard seating and a bar/lounge area. Early diners describe the vibe as “friendly, cozy, and welcoming without trying too hard.”
It’s approachable but well thought out—just like the food.
What to Order at Maida Trattoria
While the full menu is still evolving, early visits and features consistently highlight a few standouts. Everything is house-crafted, with handmade pasta as the culinary centerpiece.
Based on our research, locals love the following:
- Arancini
A crispy, savory rice ball appetizer that’s already becoming a signature dish. Reviews on TripAdvisor and K99 praise its flavor, balance, and perfect texture. - Handmade Pastas
Made fresh in-house, these feature seasonal sauces and creative combinations. While specific dishes rotate, early buzz suggests the pastas will be the core attraction. - Flatbread Pizzas & Salads
Lighter but still flavorful options—frequently cited as ideal for lunch or pairing with cocktails. - Creative Cocktails
House-crafted drinks are designed to complement the menu and offer something more refined than your standard bar fare.
No downloadable menu is available yet, but current options can be viewed on their official website.
Menu & Pricing Overview
Maida’s pricing keeps it competitive for the Old Town area while still reflecting the care behind its ingredients and service. According to OpenTable, most meals land under $30 per person.
- Starters & Small Plates: Arancini, seasonal bruschettas
- Pastas: Handmade daily, sauces and toppings rotate
- Flatbreads & Salads: Seasonal, vegetarian-friendly options
- Cocktails & Drinks: Full bar with house creations
- Kids Menu: Not specified, but environment is family-friendly
Gluten-free options and vegetarian dishes are likely, though not formally labeled. Inquiries are encouraged if you have dietary restrictions.
Service, Hours & Access
- Hours:
- Daily: 11 AM–9 PM
- Happy Hour: Every day, 2 PM–5 PM
- Late Night: Fri–Sun, 9 PM–12 AM
- Brunch Coming Soon: Fri–Sun, 8 AM–2 PM (Location + Hours)
- Reservations: Recommended via OpenTable
- Walk-ins: Accepted
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with gender-neutral restrooms
Guests praise the attentive service and efficient pace, especially considering the restaurant is still new. The team seems to understand hospitality, no surprise given their two-decade track record with Mugs.
What Locals Are Saying
Despite being new, Maida Trattoria has already drawn strong early praise from Fort Collins foodies.
- “Maida is a new favorite! The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the service was excellent.” — TripAdvisor
- “Arancini appetizer was top-notch… definitely a comfort food classic done right.” — Reddit
Community buzz from Reddit and local media confirms high interest in the grand opening, with many calling it “a needed addition to College Ave.”
Community & Culture
Maida isn’t just about food—it’s a local story. The Callahan family has run Mugs Coffee Lounge for over 20 years in Fort Collins, and that community-minded spirit carries over here. Maida participates in shared rewards programs with Mugs, giving guests incentives to explore both.
There’s no stated sustainability focus, but the commitment to local sourcing and family operation keeps the values grounded.
Audience & Vibe
Maida attracts a mix of:
- Mugs regulars looking for dinner options
- Old Town walkers and weekend diners
- Date-night couples drawn to ambiance
- Families looking for handmade Italian without the formality
It walks the line between casual and upscale, meaning you can feel comfortable in jeans—or a blazer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maida Trattoria good for families?
Yes. While there’s no formal kids’ menu, the casual environment and Italian staples make it an easy pick for families.
Do they accept reservations?
Yes—via OpenTable. Walk-ins are welcome, but dinner hours fill quickly.
Is Maida gluten-free friendly?
There’s no full gluten-free menu, but several dishes appear adaptable. Ask staff for modifications.
What’s the best thing to try?
The arancini appetizer is the most commonly praised item so far. Handmade pasta is also a must.
Are they part of a larger restaurant group?
Maida is locally owned by the Callahan family, the same group behind Mugs Coffee Lounge.
Conclusion: Fort Collins Welcomes a New Italian Favorite
Maida Trattoria has arrived with heart, hospitality, and housemade pasta—and Fort Collins is here for it. With a cozy ambiance, locally owned roots, and a crowd-pleasing menu already drawing buzz, it’s an easy recommendation for anyone looking for Italian in downtown Fort Collins.
Whether you’re grabbing cocktails during happy hour or diving into a slow dinner of flatbread and pasta, Maida offers a warm welcome and a fresh perspective on neighborhood dining.
About the Author
Written by David Lanketh, an editor at Colorado Food Reviews who curates culinary guides based on verified public consensus across thousands of online reviews.
About Colorado Food Reviews
Colorado Food Reviews is a regional editorial guide spotlighting the most noteworthy food experiences across the Front Range. We aggregate insights from thousands of diners and publish researched, trust-based restaurant reviews.
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